Endorsement or Political Showmanship?

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election ambition has ignited a sharp division among former federal lawmakers from northern Nigeria, following an endorsement by a section of the Northern Caucus Forum of the 9th National Assembly.

While some ex-legislators praise Tinubu as a national leader championing equitable development, others denounce the endorsement as unrepresentative, politically staged, and out of touch with the grim realities in the North.

Presidency Backs Northern Caucus Forum’s Endorsement

At a dialogue convened by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Northern Caucus Forum declared its support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. According to a communiqué signed by Hon. Rufai Chanchangi, the Forum cited Tinubu’s “inclusive governance style” and developmental efforts as reasons for backing him.

“We believe in equity, fairness, and political stability. It is in the best interest of the North and of Nigeria as a whole that the South completes its turn in the power rotation,” the statement read.

Gbajabiamila emphasized Tinubu’s national appeal, saying:

“From critical infrastructure to policy reforms, the North is benefiting from a government that believes in equity and shared prosperity.”

The forum claimed its endorsement promotes unity and continuity in Nigeria’s political trajectory.

Opposition Within the North: “This Is a Hatchet Job”

But not all former lawmakers from the North are on board.

A coalition known as Concerned Former Members of the House of Representatives, Northern Nigeria strongly rejected the endorsement, describing it as a charade orchestrated for political patronage.

In a fiery statement titled “We Can’t All Be Commodified”, the group — led by Zakari Mohammed, Aminu Shagari, Tom Zakari, and Mohammed Musa Soba — accused the Chanchangi-led faction of misrepresenting the sentiments of the North.

“This forum does not speak for all northern ex-lawmakers. Their communique is a political front hiding behind the mask of neutrality. The North is currently in pain — drowning in poverty, insecurity, and youth unemployment,” the statement read.

They condemned the Tinubu administration’s handling of insecurity in states like Zamfara, Kaduna, Borno, Katsina, and Benue, stating that the region has been abandoned to fend for itself.

“They stage praise-singing meetings while millions go to bed hungry. That’s not leadership — it’s betrayal,” Mohammed told Sunday Punch.

A Symbolic Split Over Tinubu’s Legacy

The division among ex-lawmakers reflects a broader tension in northern Nigeria about Tinubu’s presidency, just two years into his first term. While some leaders point to appointments and infrastructure as proof of fairness, others highlight a widening gap in development, safety, and representation.

At a recent meeting at Arewa House in Kaduna, regional leaders debated whether the Tinubu administration had fulfilled its electoral promises. Some praised initiatives, while others like Rabiu Kwankwaso and Sule Lamido accused the presidency of neglecting the North and favoring the South.

Kwankwaso went as far as saying:

“The North has become an afterthought in national planning and governance.”

The presidency denied this, calling the accusations misleading and politically motivated.

What This Means for 2027

The internal rift among northern political elites could play a pivotal role in shaping Tinubu’s re-election trajectory. The North has historically been a key voting bloc, and a divided northern front may embolden opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and Babachir Lawal, all of whom are now aligned with the emerging ADC-led opposition coalition.

Political analysts believe this division may weaken Tinubu’s standing unless:

• Regional grievances are addressed swiftly

• Meaningful development is delivered in the North

• A broad coalition of credible northern voices publicly aligns with him

Conclusion: The Battle for Northern Nigeria Begins

President Tinubu’s second-term ambition has hit a critical test — not from the usual external opposition, but from within his potential stronghold in the North. The contrasting endorsements from ex-lawmakers highlight the growing discontent among grassroots northern communities, many of whom still grapple with economic hardship and insecurity.

As Nigeria inches toward 2027, the question remains: can President Tinubu bridge the divide, deliver tangible results, and rebuild trust in the North — or will these early fractures evolve into full-blown political resistance?